Pioneers can't Overcome Slow Start

Three early turnovers helped Cornell University JV jump out to a 30-0 lead en route to a 33-19 victory over Alfred State in the rain on Friday evening. The Pioneers nine game non-conference winning streak dating back to the 2007 season comes to an end and the '09 squad falls to 3-2 on the season.

In the first 19 minutes of the game, the Big Red picked off three passes (returned one for a score) and raced out to a 30-0 lead before the Pioneers settled down and tried to get back in the game.

Trailing 30-0, Xavier Makell (Baltimore, MD) capped a three play, 45-yard scoring drive with a one yard plunge into the endzone to make it 30-7 at halftime.

After missing numerous chances to cut into the lead late in the 2nd and all through the 3rd quarter, the Pioneers cut it to 30-13 when Obi Ezemma (Queens) blocked a Cornell punt and recovered it in the endzone.

Cornell put the game out of reach with 2:53 when Chase Funderburk hit a 23 yard field goal to cap a ten play, 48-yard drive that took 5:19 off the clock.

Makell was the bright spot on the offensive side finishing with a season high 195 yards on 29 carries. The offense was slowed by four interceptions and three fumbles.

Wendell Williamson (New Haven, CT) led the defense with nine tackles and two sacks while Dmeetri Wilson (Monroe Township) finished with seven tackles. Javier Garcia (Pleasantville, NJ) recorded five tackles and two sacks and Ike Iloegbu (Harmony Prep) finished with five tackles and an interception.

Nick Zerante finished 10 for 19 for 126 yards and two scores and rushed for 59 yards and a score to pace the Big Red offense. Chris Perry registered 14 tackles while John Boyle had nine stops and a sack.

The blue & gold have some time off before heading back into NFC play on October 17th with a road contest at Hudson Valley CC. Opening kickoff is scheduled for Noon in Troy.